Grêmio forward’s agent reveals backstory to Jesse Lingard’s move to Corinthians | OneFootball

Corinthians face Fluminense at the Maracanã on Wednesday at 21:30 in the ninth round of the Brasileirão. Chasing an end to a seven-game winless run, Jesse Lingard has been named in Dorival Júnior’s squad for the first time and could start amid attacking absences.

The move featured a nudge from Grêmio forward Carlos Vinícius. "I saw that Lingard was on the market and most windows were already closed. Brazil was one of the few still open. So I asked Vini, what do you think of Lingard at Grêmio?" said agent Fernando Martins, speaking to Globo Esporte.

Talks with Grêmio did not progress, though they helped open the door for the 33-year-old to play in Brazil. "I contacted Marcelo Paz, said Jesse was a free agent and wanted to play in Brazil. I explained the terms, he would be within the salary cap, and the next day we had a video call with Lingard, from there talks moved very quickly," he added.

A further discussion followed with head coach Dorival Júnior and football manager Renan Bloise, and only after their approval did negotiations advance. Lingard also sought references from Memphis, a former Manchester United team-mate, about the calendar, Brazilian culture and Corinthians’ infrastructure.

Corinthians then saw off MLS interest from New York Red Bulls, while an approach from Remo, a Série A rival of Corinthians, did not convince him. He accepted the offer and chose to live in Itaim Bibi in the city’s south, praising the club and dressing room.

"He told me, this is different. It has a good vibe, it shows the Brazilian joy," said Martins.

Lingard remains the only Corinthians signing this season yet to make his debut.

Source: Meu Timao